Standard 1: The teacher of PK-12 music has skills in pedagogy (planning, delivering instruction, and assessment) for vocal, instrumental, and general music.
Throughout my time at Kansas State University, I have gained much experience in music pedagogy that will benefit my students. I was a student in Concert Choir, the university’s top auditioned vocal ensemble. While involved, I experienced choir rehearsal at the highest level the university offered and learned many insightful techniques for learning music. This group also performed every semester, including one performance at the Southwest regional American Choral Director’s Association Conference in Oklahoma City. I am confident that this experience made me a more knowledgeable choir member and performer, and that I can transfer this knowledge to my students.I was also a vocal student of Dr. Bryan Pinkall. In my lessons, I learned aspects of voice performance as well as correct vocal technique. I was also able to participate in the regional competition of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. Through these experiences, I believe that my knowledge of voice performance technique has grown to a level that will greatly benefit my students.
In my music education courses, I was required to develop lesson plans for groups of all school ages. These lessons covered grades spanning throughout both elementary and secondary education levels. One example of this would be that I developed lesson plans for incorporating body percussion in an elementary classroom. I believe that this experience will be incredibly valuable to my classroom as I will be preparing lessons every day for my students to participate in. I also have experience in selecting yearly repertoire for ensembles. In conducting class, I was tasked with selecting musical repertoire appropriate for three groups, spanning both semesters from 7th grade to 12thgrade. With this enhanced knowledge of musical repertoire, I believe that am capable of selecting appropriate songs for my class to sing, as well as songs that challenge them in their growing musicianship. Additionally to all of this, I was an intern with the Flint Hills Children’s Choir. In this position, I led student sectionals, held individual make up lessons for students that missed rehearsals, and led the group in learning one song for our winter concert. With my experience of leading this choir in rehearsal, I believe that I am well experienced to lead my current students in the music learning process.
I believe that through all these experiences and more, my students will benefit from my pedagogy in the classroom. My knowledge of choir rehearsal will allow me to lead my own choir in an effective manner that stimulates their musical growth. With my lesson experience, I am knowledgeable of correct vocal technique and how to spot incorrect techniques. Additionally, my pedagogical growth from my education has given me experience in developing effective lessons, yearly planning, and selecting repertoire. Finally, my experience leading a children’s choir is exactly what I will be doing in the classroom. Because of these reasons, I believe my students will benefit from my knowledge of music pedagogy.
In my music education courses, I was required to develop lesson plans for groups of all school ages. These lessons covered grades spanning throughout both elementary and secondary education levels. One example of this would be that I developed lesson plans for incorporating body percussion in an elementary classroom. I believe that this experience will be incredibly valuable to my classroom as I will be preparing lessons every day for my students to participate in. I also have experience in selecting yearly repertoire for ensembles. In conducting class, I was tasked with selecting musical repertoire appropriate for three groups, spanning both semesters from 7th grade to 12thgrade. With this enhanced knowledge of musical repertoire, I believe that am capable of selecting appropriate songs for my class to sing, as well as songs that challenge them in their growing musicianship. Additionally to all of this, I was an intern with the Flint Hills Children’s Choir. In this position, I led student sectionals, held individual make up lessons for students that missed rehearsals, and led the group in learning one song for our winter concert. With my experience of leading this choir in rehearsal, I believe that I am well experienced to lead my current students in the music learning process.
I believe that through all these experiences and more, my students will benefit from my pedagogy in the classroom. My knowledge of choir rehearsal will allow me to lead my own choir in an effective manner that stimulates their musical growth. With my lesson experience, I am knowledgeable of correct vocal technique and how to spot incorrect techniques. Additionally, my pedagogical growth from my education has given me experience in developing effective lessons, yearly planning, and selecting repertoire. Finally, my experience leading a children’s choir is exactly what I will be doing in the classroom. Because of these reasons, I believe my students will benefit from my knowledge of music pedagogy.